Story Reader / Main Story / 27 Aeon Reforged / Story
After passing through five layers of verification—authentication card, biometric scan, graphic password, quantum key, and dual-lock security—Asimov finally enters the heavily protected room.
Mr. Asimov, remember to do this month's routine check.
With him are representatives from the five major functional departments. They are here to monitor others and be monitored.
After the disaster that caused severe losses, access to Gestalt has been strictly controlled.
A complex verification process was put in place to ensure that no one could access Gestalt's core unless the Science Council and representatives from the five departments were all present.
Biometric data of the current Science Council Chief, dynamic graphic password set by the Control Court, authentication card held by the Diplomatic Court, quantum key held by the Executive Court, and two keys held by the military and the Judicial Court.
As usual, do as you please, but don't disturb me while I work.
After connecting his equipment to the port, Asimov begins the monthly routine check.
The bluish light illuminates his face and only the sound of fingers tapping on the screen is echoing in the room.
The routine check never takes too long. Asimov packs up his equipment.
Computing power fluctuation has changed by 0.023% compared to last month. Considering the recent investment in specialized frames, this fluctuation is within warning limits.
For safety reasons, let's reduce the computing power quota next month. The supercomputing array in the Clean Zone is in effect and can handle a fraction of the load.
Whatever you decide. The source of computing power isn't important for research.
Data locks show no fluctuation, and there are no unrecorded transmissions or receptions.
It looks like the isolation facility is still working normally. Thank you for your hard work, Mr. Asimov.
Asimov nods and doesn't say anything else.
He looks up at the isolation panel installed on this side of Gestalt, which contains all of humanity's knowledge.
In a way, the items the Archaeological Team struggled to retrieve have always been in human control.
But after that incident, there was never an opportunity to take them out.
Gestalt Maintenance Tunnel, 500 meters underground
Nithart?
Ballard, what's going on?
Watanabe immediately opens the communications and questions Ballard.
...She's more persuasive than I imagined.
Huff... Let me explain.
Wearing a heavy protective suit, Nithart finally moves to the terminal in front of the safety door.
It's working, thank god.
Her fingers dance across the keys like she is playing a piano, unaffected by the gloves.
The primary objective of this mission is to save Gestalt. Whether we retrieve it or destroy it, we must first reach the deep well.
But with your current speed, you won't make it before the infection rate hits the threshold because these safety doors are in your way.
Of course, repeatedly dismantling the safety doors is an option, but that would extend the mission by at least two days.
With the delay, the risk of Gestalt getting infected and being surrounded by the Corrupted will require your military expertise to deal with.
When my application was approved, the data and calculations convinced him, not me.
I mean, he said, "Your safety is second only to Gestalt," meaning if we can't reach Gestalt, I'm not important.
...
I don't think that's what he meant.
I don't know what he thinks, but that's how I see it.
No matter the cost, Gestalt must be saved.
That's my mission.
Sensing the unwavering tone, Watanabe knows that saying more would be disrespecting her resolve.
All units, switch to defense formation.
The assault team shifts formation, forming a double-headed triangle to protect Nithart in the center.
I'll leave the next safety door to you. Don't fall behind.
Got it. And... thank you.
The group continues to move deeper underground.
